The Imperial President Strikes Again

Yesterday, without consulting Congress or the nation, our ignoble leader signed a deal with Iraq that establishes a defacto permanent U.S. military presence there. The Iraqi Parliament met in secret to discuss the deal before Bush signed it over a secure video conference with Prime Minister al-Maliki.

President Bush on Monday signed a deal setting the foundation for a potential long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq, with details to be negotiated over matters that have defined the war debate at home - how many U.S. forces will stay in the country, and for how long.

The agreement between Mr. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki confirms that the United States and Iraq will hash out an "enduring" relationship in military, economic and political terms.

CBS News' Pete Gow in Baghdad reports the proposals are to offer the U.S. a continued military presence in Iraq, as well as favorable business interests (such as investment opportunities for American companies), in return for guarantees to Iraq's future security.